This Valentine’s Day, we’re here to remind you that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Let’s celebrate the beauty of finding a match that's just right, even if it means scavenging a bit! 💘
We have some scent-sational news… it’s a binturong bonanza here! 🎉 After months of renovations, our binturong exhibit is finally back in action— and we have double the reasons to celebrate! Last year, we welcomed a young male binturong to the Zoo that YOU on social media helped us name. 💙 Chandler Bingturong has made his grand fur-st appearance all the way from Serbia! But that's not all... our beloved female binturong, Keoki-Anne, celebrates her sweet 16th birthday today! Our binturongs have been busy climbing, sniffing, and checking out their upgraded home. The new habitat is packed with features that support their natural behaviors such as high and plentiful perching, logs, browse feeders, “hammocks”, and other enrichment tools to help keep them engaged and entertained. Swing by to wish Keoki-Anne a happy birthday and catch these peculiar looking creatures as they climb, lounge, and of course, smell like buttered popcorn or corn chips (yes, really). 🍿 Stay tuned for more updates and fun facts about the binturong residents of the Zoo.
Happy New Year from everyone at the Zoo! We’re leaping into the new year with excitement! Let’s all climb to new heights in 2025. ✨🐾
Happy 6th week on Earth to our baby sloth! 🦥
Did you know, baby sloths can start eating solid foods as early as 1 week after birth? Mama sloths start introducing their young to leaves early so they learn which ones are safe to eat. As you can see from the video, Karrie's baby is definitely enjoying her schooling as a little taste tester 🌿🤤
Rowdy, the hyacinth macaw, is taking his truck for a spin for the very first time, and it’s a total blast! He explores every twist and turn with his vibrant feathers ruffled in the wind. Rowdy can't help but flap his wings in delight. It’s a new adventure, which he seems to enjoy!
Tzatziki had a gourd time this year with his giant cardboard pumpkin. Not pictured: the scary decorations he left after all his hard work (shredded cardboard confetti). 🐅🎃
Happy International Sloth Day from one of our 2-toed sloths, 'Ākala! There is no better way to celebrate the day than with one of her favorite snacks 😋🌽
Anyone else have goose-bumps today? If so, it's probably because you are just as excited as us for Goose Day! 🪿
Today is one of those special holidays, which gives us a chance to celebrate one of Hawaii's native animals and a true conservation warrior- the nēnē goose!
Due to colonization, nēnē populations steadily declined after 1800. As time progressed and predators such as dogs, cats, mongoose, and pigs moved in, their decline accelerated. By 1952, it is estimated that only 30 nēnē remained in the wild. Due to captive breeding and heavy conservation efforts the nēnē goose has rebounded successfully with about 550 nēnē now residing on Hawai'i Island alone.
If you haven't had the opportunity to see one of these birds in person then look no farther! Kuhina and Korra are our resident nēnē geese here at the Pana'ewa Zoo. These two allow Hilo visitors and residents the opportunity to see these native birds up close any day of the week 🥰
To celebrate their day, please enjoy this clip of our nēnē being treated to some juicy papayas 😋